Arsenal vs Bolton: League Cup Match Preview
In their last three matches, Arsenal has managed just one victory despite facing tough opponents. Bolton competes in League 1 and hasn't found much success, sitting towards the bottom of the table. How will the clash between these teams unfold in the Round of 16 of the League Cup on September 25? Our expert predicts the outcome. Which bets should you focus on today?

Command Analysis

Arsenal

Current Form
Arsenal heads into the upcoming League Cup match following a tough Premier League encounter against Manchester City, which ended in a 2-2 draw. The Gunners played the entire second half with ten men, managing to maintain a winning score of 2-1 until the dying minutes. Currently, after five rounds, Mikel Arteta's squad sits in fifth place with 11 points. Prior to facing City, Arsenal had a challenging away match in the Champions League against Atalanta, where the game finished in a goalless draw. Over their last four matches across all competitions, the London side has secured only one victory, while they have drawn three times.
Injuries and Suspensions
Due to injuries, Arsenal will be without Odegaard, Tomiyasu, Tierney, Zinchenko, and Merino. Trossard is also suspended.
Betting Trends to Note
- In their last six home matches, Arsenal has scored in the first half
- In 18 of their last 23 home games, the Gunners have achieved victory
Projected Lineup: Raya – White, Heven, Kiwor, Lewis-Skelly – Mkhand, Jorginho – Butler-Oyedegi, Nwaneri, Sterling – Jesus.

Bolton Wanderers

Current Form
Last year, Bolton had a solid chance to secure promotion to the Championship but suffered a defeat in the playoff final against Oxford United. This season, however, the team seems unlikely to challenge for promotion. After six matches, Ian Evatt's squad sits at 18th place with just seven points. On a positive note, the team is performing well in cup competitions, having eliminated Mansfield and Shrewsbury from the League Cup and winning their first EFL Trophy match against Barrow 3-2 away.
Disciplinary Issues and Injuries
Osayi-Tutu, Jones, Forrester, and Lolos are currently sidelined due to injuries.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Bolton conceded in the first half in their last four matches
- None of Bolton's last six matches ended in a draw
Projected Line-up: Southwood – Toal, Johnston, Santos – Dacres-Cogley, Thomason, Arfield, Dempsey, Shen – Adebayo, Charles.
Trends
Bet Goals in both halves – yes
In the last four matches, the visiting team scored in both halves
1.45Bet 1st half: total under 1.5 goals
This bet has won in four of Arsenal's last five matches
1.91Bet Correct score 2:0
Three of Arsenal's last four wins were by this scoreline
8.70Tip and bets
Following a tough battle against Manchester City, Arsenal is expected to make significant squad rotations today, especially with several players sidelined due to injuries. This limits Arteta's tactical options. Bolton clearly lacks the quality to pose a serious threat, making it unlikely for them to secure a victory in London. The Gunners are known for their cautious and pragmatic approach, and we don't anticipate a win by more than two goals.
Our prediction is a Bolton victory with an Asian handicap (+2.5) at odds of 1.85
Total Bet
Since the start of the season, Arsenal has played six matches across all competitions, with only the game against Manchester City seeing more than three goals scored. The Gunners are not focused on overwhelming their opponents, and it's unlikely that the upcoming cup match will be an exception.
The second bet is on total goals under 3.5 at odds of 1.92.
First Half Bet
Bolton has struggled in first halves, losing the opening 45 minutes in their last four matches. It’s unlikely that the visitors will withstand the early pressure from a superior opponent in London today.
The prediction is for Arsenal to lead at halftime with a handicap of (-1) at odds of 1.98.